HC Deb 29 July 1935 vol 304 cc2294-5
34. Colonel ROPNER

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any recent notification of shortage of water in rural districts; and what action he is taking?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

My right hon. Friend has not received any recent notification of serious shortage except in a few rural areas. In all cases brought to his notice an engineering inspector visits the locality with a view to expediting the preparation and carrying out of a permanent scheme. In rural areas generally good progress is being made, and so far grant has been provisionally allocated in respect of schemes for 1,360 parishes of a total estimated capital cost of £3,900,000.

Mr. LEVY

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are a large number of rural areas that are still buying water for industrial purposes by the bucket, and is he satisfied that the mere sending of an inspector will solve the rural water problem?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

If any rural area is buying water by the bucket, it is purely its own fault. It should apply to the Ministry of Health for a grant from the money allocated for this purpose.

Sir JOSEPH LAMB

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if they do get a grant, the rural councils will not help them?